Milwaukee’s manufacturing legacy is evolving!
While the city retains a strong industrial base, a growing number of tech-forward companies offer remote opportunities in manufacturing management, supply chain, and engineering.
Here’s how to tap into those networks, even if you’re not physically relocating.
Networking Spots
- Industry Associations & Events
- Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (https://www.wmc.org/): Offers events both in-person and virtual.
- MMAC (Metropolis Milwaukee Association of Commerce): Check their calendar for manufacturing-focused gatherings.
- Niche Groups: Search for automation, robotics, supply chain organizations on Meetup and Eventbrite.
- Manufacturing-Focused Co-Working Spaces
- Ward4 (https://www.ward4mke.com/): Community geared towards innovation in the sector.
- Check university-affiliated maker spaces, they often host industry meetups.
- Universities: Beyond the Big Names
- UW-Milwaukee, Marquette: Look at engineering programs, speakers at their career centers.
- Technical Colleges: Strong ties to local industry, check for job fairs open to the public.
- Online Communities:
- LinkedIn Groups: Search “Milwaukee manufacturing”, or keywords like “supply chain optimization”
- The Invisible Network: Can you find employees at remote-friendly manufacturers on LinkedIn? A respectful outreach message can be insightful.
Networking Strategies Tailored to Milwaukee
- Blue-Collar Roots Matter: Highlighting hands-on experience, even if past jobs were in-person, builds credibility.
- “Remote + Manufacturing” is Still New: Be ready to educate, but also ASK about their experiences with remote teams.
- Location as an Asset: If you’d potentially relocate for the right role, mention that! Lessens concerns about being fully remote long-term.
Tips for Success
- Showcase Adaptability: How have you used tech to streamline processes, solve problems… shows the remote mindset.
- Numbers Talk: Quantify your impact: projects on-time, cost savings… this translates even out of the factory floor.
- Offer “Virtual Tours”: If you have a home workshop, 3D printing setup, etc., offering a peek shows your passion.